Categories

How to Make a Multiplication Math Game With a Game Board

By Glenda Race; Updated April 24, 2017

Multiplication practice and memorization of multiplication facts can be challenging and tedious. A boardgame that allows students to practice multiplication tables in a random order will help reinforce learning in a friendly and competitive way. Make a multiplication boardgame with a few items available in your classroom.

Using the cardstock, a pencil and a ruler, divide the perimeter of the board into 2-inch by 2-inch rectangles. Draw four equal game spaces along the horizontal edges. Draw five equal spaces along the vertical edges. Overlap the game spaces at the four corners, so that you have a total of 14 spaces around the perimeter of the game board.

Write "Start" in the bottom right hand corner of the board. Next, write "1," "2" and "3" on the bottom horizontal spaces ("3" will be in the space in the left corner of the game board). Next, write "4," "5" and "6" in the spaces up the left side of the board. Write "Free Point" in the top left corner. Write "7" and "8" into the top row of spaces, and "9" in the top right corner. Finally, write "10," "11" and "12" down the right side.

Gather one to four tokens based on the number of teams or players. Gather one die or two dice based on the skill level of the players with multiplication tables up to 12. If players can multiply up to 12x12, use two dice. If the players can multiply up to 6x12, use one.

Place each token on the "Start" space. Have one student roll the dice, then move his token the same number of places he rolled. Have the student multiply the number on the game space with the number shown on the dice. If the student answers the multiplication problem correctly, he earns a point. If he answers incorrectly, the next player can steal the point by answering the problem.

Proceed around the board. If a player lands on the "Free Space," she earns a point without answering a multiplication problem. If a player advances completely around the board in one turn, she gets a bonus point. Play until student interest begins to decline. Add up all the points to determine the winner.

Tip

If dice are not available, place equally-sized scraps of paper (labeled "1" to "6" or "12," depending on skill level) into an envelope. Use the scraps instead of dice.

About the Author

Glenda Race is a community college instructor in basic writing skills. She earned a bachelor's degree in English and history at Wilkes University, as well as a master's degree in education at Bloomsburg University.